Tuesday, January 25, 2011

"Now scientists have begun to examine how the city affects the brain, and the results are chastening. Just being in an urban environment, they have found, impairs our basic mental processes. After spending a few minutes on a crowded city street, the brain is less able to hold things in memory, and suffers from reduced self-control. While it's long been recognized that city life is exhausting -- that's why Picasso left Paris -- this new research suggests that cities actually dull our thinking, sometimes dramatically so."

"The recent web debut of the Alan Lomax Archives channel is a treasure trove for musicians and listeners of all types of American vernacular music. The clips all were filmed between 1978 and 1985, mostly in North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana. The material reflects Mr. Lomax's fervent desire to record local music varietals before the onslaught of mainstream media homogenization. Many of the clips were from a TV production "American Patchwork" that eventually aired on PBS in 1991.

The most well known musician in the series is R.L. Burnside. Here he's playing a scorching electric tune solo in front of a barb wire fence. It just gets better after that. The material of course ranges far and wide with sacred harp, gut bucket blues, NOLA brass, folk ballads, all in abundance.

Most of the musicians likely never made a recording afterward, but due to Lomax's calling, their songs have been preserved. This channel eventually leads to the even deeper collection at Cultural Equity. Clearly the material is staggeringly unique. Take some time this cold winter to bask in the warmth of some hot blues."=========Reminds me of playing pool listening to Leadbelly at EHS.

There isn't an organized "war on cops" anymore than there is an actual "war on criminals" being waged by the police. This is simply the natural reaction to the police unilaterally deciding to militarize their police operations and allow their officers to preemptively shoot people who aren't shooting at them. It doesn't take a whole lot of well-covered incidents where police shoot unarmed and even handcuffed men for criminals to realize that they are in a no quarter situation whenever they find themselves facing arrest.

“My fellow Americans, my presidency has sucked. Big time. My stint as your leader has been worse than the Matrix Revolution, and you know how awful that Keanu Reeves movie was. To the American public, I’m sorry. The job of being President has been above my experience. I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, and I still don’t. I’ve screwed over so many generations of Americans with the debt I’ve been racking up. So for the good of the country and because I’m tired of Michelle forcing me to eat organic arugula from the White House garden, tonight I am resigning. Take care America, and please don’t ever say that Jimmy Carter was a better President than I was, because that would really sting.”========Family Research Council

"Tonight, the President will do what he does best. Talk. But unfortunately for this White House, presidencies are defined by what you do, not what you say. And in Barack Obama's case, there seems to be plenty of disparity between the two. The same man who stood at the podium last year and said that he's "interested in protecting our economy" went on to pile up more debt than 40 Presidents combined. "I'm proposing specific steps to pay for the $1 trillion that it took to rescue the economy last year," he promised--only to add another $2.5 trillion more to it with health care. The commander-in-chief who asked us to "reject the false choice between protecting our people and upholding our values," couldn't do it himself, overturning a military policy on homosexuality that will neither protect our people nor their values. "Abroad," Mr. Obama said, "America's greatest source of strength has always been our ideals." In 2010, those "ideals" included global abortion and same-sex partner perks. Forgive us for taking the State of the Union with a brick of salt. Like Fox's Andrea Tantaros, we aren't fooled. "Obama can... extend a hand to Republicans through rhetoric... [But] with the other hand he can wave on the czars and cabinet secretaries to lurch leftward and take care of his liberal friends."

A lot of tonight's speech will probably feel familiar, since the President is said to be focusing on job creation, deficit reduction (stop me if you've heard this before), investments in "infrastructure," and civility. Voters, on the other hand, can take pleasure in the fact that after four years of looking at Nancy Pelosi, tonight's camera shot will feature new Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), who will provide the President's backdrop--not only for this speech, but for the important year ahead.

Although these two aren't officially a part of the State of the Union seating revolution, plenty of other members are using the bipartisan buddy system to show America that they can play nice. Breaking a longstanding tradition, odd couples like Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) are sitting together, along with pairs like Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and other twosomes. "More important than the appearance of sitting together is what we do together," Sen. Mitch McConnell told reporters. Let's hope the bulk of that cooperation is focused on bringing the family back to its place of prominence--not just in a speech, but in all of American policy"

One could understand progressive-minded people calling the 2010 Republican wave the end of the world, but who would take them literally?

MIT professor of linguistics Noam Chomsky warned the end is near.MIT professor of linguistics Noam Chomsky warned the end is near.In an interview with the Nation magazine and On The Earth Productions earlier this month, Chomsky, known for his distinct left-of-center philosophy, commented on the emotion in the electorate.In an interview with the Nation magazine and On The Earth Productions earlier this month, Chomsky, known for his distinct left-of-center philosophy, commented on the emotion in the electorate.

“There's other factors like the anger, and the fear and hostility in the country about everything carries over to this,” Chomsky said."There's other factors like the anger, and the fear and hostility in the country about everything carries over to this," Chomsky said.“So if you look at polls, everyone hates Congress."So if you look at polls, everyone hates Congress.They hate the Democrats.They hate the Democrats.They hate the Republicans even more.They hate the Republicans even more.They hate big business.They hate big business.They hate banks and they distrust scientists.They hate banks and they distrust scientists.So why should we believe what these pointy-head elitist are telling?So why should we believe what these pointy-head elitist are telling?We don't trust anything else.We don't trust anything else.We don't trust them.”We don't trust them. "

He explained those feelings led to November's election results, and would have serious repercussions for civilization.He explained those feelings led to November's election results, and would have serious repercussions for civilization.========"Once Chomsky opined That the Khmer Rouge 'Saved' Cambodia with the Killing Fields ."

1st Lt. Stone, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon, holding a vital outpost position, was attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces, 1st Lt. Stone stood erect and exposed to the terrific enemy fire calmly directed his men in the defense. A defensive flame-thrower failing to function, he personally moved to its location, further exposing himself, and personally repaired the weapon.

Throughout a second attack, 1st Lt. Stone; though painfully wounded, personally carried the only remaining light machine gun from place to place in the position in order to bring fire upon the Chinese advancing from 2 directions. Throughout he continued to encourage and direct his depleted platoon in its hopeless defense. Although again wounded, he continued the fight with his carbine, still exposing himself as an example to his men.

When this final overwhelming assault swept over the platoon's position his voice could still be heard faintly urging his men to carry on, until he lost consciousness. Only because of this officer's driving spirit and heroic action was the platoon emboldened to make its brave but hopeless last ditch stand.

"In the first place, it is to be remembered, that the general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws: its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any."
--James Madison, Federalist No. 14, 1787
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"People with suspicious minds -- me -- would wonder if there were any connection between Bernard O'Bama's State of the Onion address tomorrow and a new high for the move in the Dow today. Am I hinting that the Nice Government Men, who (we all know) are above reproach, would manipulate the stock market or the economy for base political reasons? Yes, I suppose I am, since they've been doing that for the last 77 years or longer."

See below for what out "AMERICAN" collectivists have in mind. Don't doubt for a moment that they would do it, if they could get away with it. BT========

Dixieland Salvation Fund

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Southern Lady

Core Creek Militia

==============================My sixth great grandfather, his wife, and five of his six children were killed in battle with the Tuscarora Indians at Core Creek, NC.

The Seven Blackbirds

==============================My third great grandfather was an Ensign in the Revolutionary War, and saved his unit's flag after being wounded at the Battle of Brandywine. He was also at Kingston (Kinston), Wilmington, Charleston, Two Sisters and Augusta. He was at the defeat at Brier Creek and also Bee Creek.

Requiem Aeternam -
Eternal Rest Grant unto Them
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My second great grandfather was killed in action on May 3, 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
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My great grandfather and great uncle knew all the men in the "Civil War Requiem" video as they were part of the 53rd NC which was the sole unit defending Fort Mahone. (Fort Mahone was named "Fort Damnation" by the Yankees) *Handpicked men of the 53rd (My great grandfather was one of these) made the final, night assault at Petersburg in an attempt to break Grant's line. This was against Fort Stedman which was a few miles to the slight northeast. They initially succeeded, but reinforcements drove them back. This video is made from photographs which were taken the day after the 53rd evacuated the lines the night before to begin the retreat to Appomattox. I have many more pictures taken by the same photographer, one of these shows a 14 year old boy and the other is the famous picture of the blond, handsome soldier with his musket.
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*General Gordon promised the men a gold medal and 30 days leave if they accomplished their task and many years after the War my great grandfather wrote General Gordon, who was then governor of Georgia about this incident. They exchanged several letters which I have framed. See first link below.
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*The Attack On Fort Stedman
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"His Colored Friends"
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Lee's Surrender
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My Black NC Kinfolks
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Punished For Being Caught!

Great Grandfather Koonce

He was a drummer boy in the WBTS, survived the War only to die a few years later. He was caught in an ice storm on his way home, but instead of seeking shelter, continued on his horse until the end. His clothes had to be cut off and he died a few days later.

Thank you

I would just like you to know how so very glad I am that I found your blog. I have learned more history from you and the many links that you post than I have from reading all my history books. I can never thank you enough for the education you are freely giving me. It is priceless. And eye opening.

Many times I will not comment, but that does not mean I am not reading and learning.

You sir, are an educator. Thank you.

PhyllisWantage, NJ

Good morning Mr. Townsend,

Just to let you know I have finally finished that massive tome on General Lee. I never knew 1/10th of what a great man he was. No wonder the South is so proud of him! So sad that we have few men of his caliber today. We need them desperately. I have learned more history through you and your blog than I thought I could ever learn. I am very grateful to you. Thank you so much for taking time to answer my e-mail. And thank you for your blog and for opening my eyes.

PhyllisWantage, NJ

".......So good to hear from you! And also so pleased you are converting more of us Yankees! You have no idea how many people you have taught. And how many are so grateful to you for showing us the truth."

Your faithful friend,

Phylis

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I have also learned from Brock Townsend and two nurses lately, that appreciation expressed by someone for whom you have great respect overwhelms the lack of appreciation by some from whom you expect it. I believe that we cannot really know which small bit of help makes the life-saving difference. ﻿

I have learned more history from you than all the years I was supposed to be in school (and not out hunting or fishing).

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I really must say, I like thousands of others have said, your blog is the best out there and with all of your history and experience, you should run for *president. I look forward to reading your blog every day and every day I learn from you. Thank you for the time you put into this effort .

refzip.com

http://refzip.com/

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